Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works, Hon. Baba Steven K. Malondera, is currently in Seoul, South Korea, where he is leading Malawi’s
delegation to the Conference on International Air Transport Cooperation (CIAT 2025).
Hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in Incheon from July 24–25, this is the eighth edition of a prestigious triennial forum that convenes global aviation leaders at Paradise City.
The conference brings together around 680 participants, including ministers and vice-ministers from countries like Egypt and Malawi, ICAO Council members from Nigeria and Ghana, along with prominent representatives from ICAO, IATA, ACI, industry executives, and aviation scholars
As a dynamic and forward-looking nation, Malawi’s presence at CIAT 2025 underscores its commitment to global aviation discourse.
By engaging in high-level dialogues on policy harmonization, sustainable aviation, and technological innovations, Deputy Minister and his team aim to ensure Malawi’s perspectives are woven into the fabric of international regulations and best practices.
This participation is strategically important for several reasons: Shaping global aviation frameworks: Malawi can influence emerging standards and policies adopted by ICAO, IATA, and ACI; Fostering public–private partnerships:
The forum provides a platform to connect domestic aviation stakeholders with international carriers, financiers, and suppliers.
By playing an active role at CIAT, the delegation seeks to accelerate Malawi’s aviation modernization to which will boost air connectivity
The meeting offers opportunity for the delegation to engage with leading experts and carriers and seize a chance to allow Malawi to explore new routes and partnerships, pivotal for enhancing tourism and business travel.
Further the Malawi will gain in area of elevating safety standards as sharing insights on safety and security protocols supports Malawi’s alignment with international benchmarks—a priority highlighted at the recent SAATM accession.
Earlier this year, Malawi deepened its continental aviation ties by becoming the 38th member of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—a visionary plan under AU Agenda 2063.
Signed in February at the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, the treaty commits Malawi to a liberalized African airspace. Joining SAATM means open skies, fewer restrictions, reduced airfares, and more flight options—benefiting both travellers and cargo operators
At the conference, Malawi is poised to showcase its new continental commitments, positioning itself as an agile and connected partner in crafting Africa’s aviation future.